Indian Shooting Contingent Aims for Strong Start at Asian Championship in New Delhi
India's elite shooters are set to begin their competitive season at the Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship, which commences on Wednesday at the Karni Singh shooting ranges in the national capital. This prestigious event, spanning ten days, serves as a crucial early benchmark for athletes as they build toward their ultimate objective: the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
No Olympic Quotas, But Vital Form Assessment Opportunity
While the championship does not offer any Olympic quota places, it provides an invaluable platform for competitors to evaluate their form and readiness at the outset of the season. For many shooters, this tournament represents the first major test of their training regimens and technical adjustments under competitive pressure.
Massive Indian Contingent Highlights Depth and Home Advantage
India is fielding an impressive contingent of 118 shooters, the largest among all participating nations. This substantial representation underscores both the depth of talent in Indian shooting and the advantage of competing on home soil. The familiar environment of the Karni Singh ranges could prove beneficial for athletes seeking to perform at their peak.
Spotlight on Double Olympic Medallist Manu Bhaker
Much of the attention is expected to focus on double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, who will likely attract significant local spectator interest. As one of India's most prominent shooting stars, Bhaker enters the competition as a central medal hope in both the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events. Her performance will be closely monitored as an indicator of her form heading into the Olympic cycle.
Technical Refinements and Consistency Goals
Top marksman Arjun Babuta, competing in the marquee 10m air rifle event, revealed that he plans to test new technical modifications under match conditions. "I have been working on a few aspects technically. So I want to deliver that in a pressure situation. Let's see how the results go," Babuta stated following a practice session at the ranges.
His teammate and former world champion, Rudrankksh Patil, emphasized the importance of consistent high-level performance. "I was consistent in the last three months and I want to improve that consistency in terms of scores. The lowest scores which I've been shooting are decent scores, but I want to improve that. That is my main focus," Patil explained.
Strong Prospects Across Events
World bronze medallist Elavenil Valarivan is anticipated to be one of India's strongest contenders in the 10m air rifle category. Her experience and previous international success position her as a formidable competitor in this highly technical discipline.
The Asian Championship represents more than just another tournament for Indian shooters. It serves as:
- An early season form assessment tool
- A platform to test technical adjustments under pressure
- An opportunity to build momentum toward the 2028 Olympics
- A chance to compete against top Asian talent on home ground
As the competition unfolds over the next ten days, Indian shooting enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how their athletes perform in this important preparatory event. The results will provide valuable insights into the current state of Indian shooting and the progress being made toward Olympic aspirations.
